The third Sunday of Great Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Divine Liturgy includes a special veneration of the Cross, which prepares the faithful for the commemoration of the Crucifixion during Holy Week. Let’s reflect for a moment on the Crucifixion and its meaning. Jesus Christ died for our sins which was done because “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.
God’s love for us – our opportunity for eternal life – our Salvation and the hope of living in God’s kingdom are all because Jesus died on the Cross. As we venerate the Cross this Sunday, let us especially think about the meaning of the Cross and ask …how much do we love God? …how much do we love our Church which represents Christ? …how much do we love God for all that he provides for us?

Do we love him enough to sacrifice of our Time, Talents and Treasures?